August 2023

Dec. 28, 1954-Aug. 17, 2023 Bradley Eugene Thomas was born Dec. 28, 1954, to Carol and Lucille (Pat) Thomas in Sedalia. When Brad was 12 years old, his family relocated to Richmond, where he completed his high school years. He loved sports and was involved in all sports throughout his high school years. Brad attended and graduated from Central Missouri State University (now the University of Central Missouri) in Warrensburg. He was a member of Theta Chi, where he developed strong relationships with his fraternity brothers.

Bonnie Kay Leach, 77, of Hardin passed away Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond. Bonnie was born July 4, 1946, in Henrietta, the daughter of Cleatus Van and Elsie Lee (Swafford) Burnine. She was united in marriage to James A. “Jimmy” Leach of Hardin on Sept. 9, 1990. He survives of the home. Additional survivors include three daughters, Kim (Mike) Class of Liberty, Amy (Jeff) Wirsig of Richmond and Laurinda (Bennie) Almendares of St. Robert; one son, Jonathan Leach of Hardin; seven grandchildren, Ava, Lily and Linkin Wirsig, Jake and Zach Class, and R.J. and Emma Almendares; one brother, Cleatus Burnine of Richmond; one sister, Terrie (Donnie) Mais of Lake of the Ozarks; and one sister-in-law, Mary Jo Burnine of Lee’s Summit.

Janet Elaine Wheeler, 68, of Richmond passed away on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 26 for James Wayne Woodruff Sr., who faces 11 felony charges including second- degree rape.

After receiving a $250 grant, Brittany Horine, Dear Elementary first grade Title 1 reading teacher plans on investing in decodable books for students, she said. Of the 1,200 applicants for the Hollis and Miller Architects grants, Horine was one of the eight awarded.

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More than 60 people gathered at Southview B-Field in Richmond last Wednesday to pray for nineyear- old Presley Minnick of Richmond ahead of her surgery to treat a rare cancer. The vigil was led by Orrick Christian Church Pastor Art Endsley.

Like her first year of high school, Richmond sophomore Genevieve Didier plans to keep her teammates emotionally pumped in varsity volleyball, girls basketball and track. Unlike that first year, however, Didier won’t be out on the court or track competing with them.

SHAWN RONEY I sympathize with Sydney Appleberry, Genevieve Didier and Patrick Mahomes II – and thank them for their inspiration. Didier and Appleberry each play three high school sports for Richmond.